CHRISTMASINKENT
LIGHTS , BRIGHTS ... CONT .
© Fraser Allen
Bedgebury Pinetum , 18 November - 2 January forestryengland . uk / Christmasatbedgebury
Magnificent trees on a magical illuminated trail after dark at Bedgebury National Pinetum . Firmly positioned as unmissable within the UK ’ s seasonal calendar , over a million twinkling lights and seasonal sounds will fill the air with festive fun . Discover sparkling tunnels of light , catch a glimpse of the stars as you walk under giant baubles and beneath glistening trees drenched in jewel-like colour . For a moment of reflection pause at mesmerising flames in the fire garden , gaze at the larger-than-life illuminations and don ’ t forget to wave hello to Father Christmas along the way . Grab a seasonal snack from the Bedgebury café at the visitor centre , or the crew of talented independent street food vendors bringing a delicious twist to the tempting treats on offer . Complete your walk under the stars with a perfectly festive spiced winter warmer , hot chocolate or toasted marshmallows shared with someone special .
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN KENT ’ S TOWNS
Five miles of Christmas lights can be found illuminating Canterbury High Street every year , with 2022 being no exception . Neighbouring town Faversham also celebrates the season by decking the pretty streets of this market town and marking the festivities with a glowing switch-on event on 26 November , the SixFold Faversham Christmas Lights . Similarly , coastal market town Sandwich holds a captivating Christmas switch-on , as do Tonbridge Rotary ’ s Christmas Festival which will take place on 27 November and will include entertainment , stalls , the Christmas light switch-on and fireworks .
Medway ’ s Christmas Lights
Medway marks the festive season with a host of Christmas lights switch-ons between Friday 18 November and Friday 2 December .
They will be taking place between 3.45-5pm in :
• Strood , Friday 18 November - Friary Place
• Chatham , Saturday 19 November- Military Square
• Gillingham , Friday 25 November - Smiths Square
• Rochester , Saturday 26 November - Blue Boar Lane
• Rainham , Friday 2 December - Rainham Shopping Centre
ACROSS THE BORDER AND IN THE CITY
Christmas at Kew , 16 November - 8 January kew . org / kew-gardens / whats-on / christmas
A magical winter trail lights up the evening skies at Kew Gardens this year . Sparkling tunnels of light , dancing lakeside reflections and trees drenched in an array of vibrant colours adorn these famously beautiful gardens . Journey through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden , spot larger-than-life illuminations and say hello to Father Christmas along the way . Along the route , delicious independent street food vendors will offer tasty festive delights from hot food and sweet treats to spiced winter warmers and hot chocolate .
Palace of Light , Hampton Court , 7 December - 2 January hrp . org . uk / hampton-court-palace / whats-on / palace-of-light
An enchanting festive lantern and light experience at Hampton Court Palace . Encounter curious creatures from glittering unicorns to polkadot panthers , lurking lions and galloping greyhounds as you wander through the atmospheric gardens and historic palace courtyards after dark . These captivating luminous displays are created by a skilled team of artists and craftspeople , and are inspired by the Royal Beasts , a collection of heraldic statues commissioned for Hampton Court by Henry VIII himself .
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BEDGEBURY PINETUM